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SunRail parking lot expansion construction will affect entry into the DeBary Station Parking Lot

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FDOT SunRail

Motorists need to be alert for changes as early as Monday

Beginning next week, and perhaps as early as Monday, April 3, the northernmost entrance along U.S. 17/92 to the DeBary SunRail parking lot is closing for approximately two-to-three weeks for reconstruction. The entrance is currently a right turn lane (only) into the lot from southbound U.S. 17/92, just south of Fort Smith Road. When the project is completed, the lane will offer access both in and out of the lot.
SunRail customers will still have a couple options during this closure:

  • Use the second entrance to the SunRail lot, just to the south along U.S. 17/92
  • Make a right turn onto Fort Smith Road, and then turn left into the entrance of the SunRail lot.

In addition, intermittent closures of the outside lane on southbound U.S. 17/92 are scheduled daily from 9 a.m.-to-3 p.m. to allow for construction. The sidewalk along the southbound side of the roadway is also closing while work occurs. The work is part of $1.7 million project to nearly double the size of the DeBary SunRail lot, adding 212 parking spaces, as well as increasing access to-and-from parking areas. The project is nearing completion and is expected to wrap up in May.
Please note bad weather or other unexpected conditions may affect the schedule. Construction concerns/questions?  Please contact Steve Olson, Regional Communications Manager, Florida Department of Transportation; [email protected] or 386-943-5479.
For more information about SunRail routes, schedules, and fares, please visit us at www.sunrail.com. SunRail urges motorists to be careful around trains, railroad crossings and construction. Be smart. Be safe.

CSWG tells area women and girls to "Ignite the Power Within" at 2017 summit

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The Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CSWG) is gearing up for its 2017 Women and Girls Summit, themed “Ignite the Power Within,” with dynamic panelists and speakers, and insightful discussion on topics important to women and girl in the local area. In its second year, the Summit is designed to help participants harness their inner power to become impactful and successful contributors on the local, state and national level, and-in fact-the world.
“The Summit is a unique opportunity for women and girls in this community to find their inner strength and power to effectuate change in their lives and the lives of everyone they touch,” said Paul DeBoles-Johnson, chair of the Commission. ” ‘Ignite the Power Within’ isn’t just the them, it is a mantra that communicates that all our strength, fortitude, perseverance and stamina as women and girls begins inside of us and is sparked by support from our family, friends and those in the community who are committed to empowering women and girls.”
Tallahassee Community College (TCC) Workforce Development Center has graciously partnered with the CSWG to host the event on Friday, April 14, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This year, a women’s track has been added to the event; both women and girls will have focused, targeted sessions, as well as coming together for general sessions, to discuss issues surrounding topics such as public safety, academic excellence, diversity and advocacy, just to name a few.
Featured speakers and presenters will include many dynamic and powerful women, such as Dr. Joedreka Brown Speights; Elizabeth Ricci, Esq.; Dr. Susan Fiorito; Chief Audrey Smith; Robin Hassler-Thompson, Esq.; Julie Montanaro; Heidi Otway, APR, CPRC; Dana Brooks Cooper, Esq.; and many more! Also, we are so honored to have Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson deliver the keynote address for the Summit.
The event is free-of-charge to girls enrolled in Leon County Schools (public and private), with absences for students attending Leon County Schools excused with the completion of an “Excused Absence” form. For private or other schools, the student should check with the school’s administration. The cost for adults is only $20 and lunch will be provided for all workshop attendees. Registration is limited and some scholarships are available. For additional information, please email us at [email protected].
To register for the event, click here.
Click here for highlights from last year’s Summit!
About the Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CSWG)
Established by Leon County in 2011 and joined by the City of Tallahassee in 2013, the CSWG’s primary purposes to promote awareness of issues pertaining to women and girls in Tallahassee and Leon County, and to serve in an advisory role, providing input to the City and County Commissions as needed. To learn more, visit this link: http://TallahasseeLeonCSWG.com/about-us/. 

News Alert: Media availability for Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

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Monday, April 3 – I-4 Ultimate Work Zone

The Florida Department of Transportation will host a media event on April 3 in Maitland, to promote Work Zone Safety Awareness.
Who:   The event will provide members of the media access to:

  • Steve Martin: FDOT District 5 Secretary
  • Steve Olson: FDOT Public Information Manager
  • Loreen Bobo: FDOT I-4 Ultimate Construction Program Manager
  • Trooper Specialist Steven Montiero: FHP Community Safety Officer/ Public Affairs Officer
  • David Feise: SGL Project MOT Manager

What: Held in conjunction with National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 3-7, to promote safety in work zones. The availability will be in an active work zone allowing safety-trained persons in full safety gear to be next to barrier wall separating the construction area from midday traffic. The event allows media access to speed-detection (radar) activities and safety and MOT demonstrations/ equipment.
Where: I-4 Ultimate construction work zone between eastbound Interstate 4 and exit ramp to eastbound Maitland Boulevard. See map.
When: Monday, April 3
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Please see attachment or call the FDOT PIO office, Jessica Ottaviano 386-943-5473 / [email protected].
Safety gear is required for this event. This is an active construction zone. All media in attendance must have attended a prior safety orientation and are required to be in full PPE (this includes photographers as well):

  • Safety Vests Class 3
  • Hard Hat ANSI Z89 Rated, V-Guard Recommended
  • Safety Glasses ANSI Z87 Rated
  • Gloves ANSI Cut 3 Rated
  • Work boots, steel or composite toe; No loafers, heels or flip-flops
  • No shorts or skirts/dresses

3.31.2017 media avail map

WNDB talk show April 4, DSC News-Journal Center

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DSC experts on public-responder, health info,
office management programs, new advancement VP

Three sheriffs discuss their departments

The April 4 Marc Bernier Show will showcase a range of Daytona State College faculty experts, introduce the new advancement vice president and conclude with three local sheriffs discussing their respective departments. The live radio show will air from 3 to 6 p.m. at Daytona State’s News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach.

Marc Bernier
Marc Bernier

The special series of WNDB 93.5FM/1150 AM’s Marc Bernier Show hosted by DSC focuses on community topics of interest, news, wide-ranging guests and call-in time for listeners.
The April 4 show introduces Lorene King, the college’s new vice president for advancement and executive director of the Foundation. Formerly executive director of the NASCAR Foundation, she led growth and expansion in a number of fundraising and awareness initiatives since 2012. She held prior leadership advancement roles at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., as senior director of corporate alliances, senior director of legal, estates and trusts and director of gift-planning programs.
Following King’s introduction, DSC experts will talk about in-demand programs, and the show will conclude with a discussion among three local sheriffs.  3.31.2017 dsc news journal center
From 3 to 4:30, DSC experts will discuss:
Office Administration – program re-designed to meet in-demand job needs across industries. Kim Grippa chairs the School of Business Administration. An attorney and senior professor, Grippa has been a member of the Florida Bar for 20 years; is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Court Mediator; served as a senior cabinet aide for the Florida Department of State; and taught at FSU College of Law before joining DSC.
Health Information Management – re-designed program to reflect huge industry need for electronic medical record skills. Professor Martin Smith, a former police constable from London, England, served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic before transitioning into health information via the Veterans Affairs vocational program. He has taught in this field for 14 years and received the 2013 Florida Health Information Management Educator Award; he is known for his passion to help students succeed in this emerging field.
Fire Science – serving constant need for responders, from basic firefighting training to degree programs for advancement, housed in the School of Emergency Services. David Mccallister Jr., program coordinator, served as deputy fire chief for New Smyrna Beach Fire Department for 10 years, and became fire chief in 2009, prior to accepting DSC’s position. He has devoted his career to fire science in progressive leadership roles, while also instructing at DSC; he is a DSC alum.
Criminal Justice – addressing ongoing need for police officers in the region. Instructor Jim Jabluszewski, Criminal Justice Training Center, School of Emergency Services, served 26 years in the Port Orange Police Department before joining DSC in 2010. A U.S. Army Military Police veteran, he became full-time faculty in 2015, instructing in both the Police and Corrections academies. He earned both his A.S. and B.A.S. from Daytona State.
Lastly, sheriffs Mike Chitwood, Wayne Ivey and Jerry L. Demings will talk about how their departments are run in a comparison view.
Listeners can attend the live broadcast or call in. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. to the Davidson Theatre at DSC’s News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach.

Folk Heritage Award Recipient William “Billy the Kid” Emerson to be Honored in Ceremony in Tarpon Springs

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Florida Department of State
The Florida Folklife Program and the City of Tarpon Springs will recognize 2017 Florida Folk Heritage Award recipient, William “Billy the Kid” Emerson, in a special ceremony hosted at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum on Sunday, April 2, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. This ceremony which is free and open to the public, will recognize Mr. Emerson’s lifelong contributions as a songwriter and producer, and will include a video presentation.
“We invite the community to take part in celebrating Mr. Emerson’s contributions and achievements,” said Secretary Detzner. “His dedication to his craft and his lasting influence contribute to the rich musical and cultural heritage of Florida.”
William Emerson was born in Tarpon Springs in 1925, where he learned to play piano in church. Following in the footsteps of his uncle George Hannah, Emerson began performing publicly throughout the area. He joined the Navy in 1943, and after the war, resumed performing with Tampa area acts including Ivory Mitchell, the Billy Battle Band, and Alfonso Brown Band. He acquired the nickname “Billy the Kid” while playing with a band that dressed like cowboys.
Also a talented athlete, Emerson attended Florida A&M University on an athletic scholarship, but left to serve in the Air Force during the Korean War. He later met Ike Turner and after being discharged, joined Turner’s Kings of Rhythm. In 1954, he signed a contract with Sam Phillips and wrote and recorded hits for Sun Records including “When It Rains It Really Pours” (later recorded by Elvis Presley) and “Red Hot.” In 1955, he joined Vee-Jay Records, where he released “Every Woman I know (Crazy ‘Bout Automobiles).” Shortly after, he joined Chess Records as their recording manager.Emerson later formed Tarpon Records, and continued to record and perform rhythm & blues both internationally and abroad.
In 1978, Mr. Emerson rededicated himself to his faith, became a pastor and returned to Tarpon Springs where he continues to serve his congregation and compose sacred music. Although he no longer performs secular music, the compilation album, Red Hot: The Sun Years, was released in 2009, and Mr. Emerson was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
3.31.2017 william emerson

William Emerson

 
The Florida Department of State presents Florida Folk Heritage Awards annually to citizens who have made long-standing contributions to Florida’s cultural heritage by perpetuating community traditions. Like the National Heritage Fellowships, the Florida Folk Heritage Awards honor the state’s most influential tradition bearers for excellence, significance and authenticity as folk artists or folklife advocates. Information on how to make a nomination is available here and additional information regarding past recipients, including photos and bios, is available here.
The Florida Folklife Program is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Program. For further information about the Florida Folklife Program, contact State Folklorist Amanda Hardeman at 850.245.6427 or visit flheritage.com/preservation/folklife.
About the Florida Folklife Program
The Florida Folklife Program, a component of the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, documents and presents Florida’s folklife, folklore and folk arts. The program coordinates a wide range of activities and projects designed to increase the awareness of Floridians and visitors alike about Florida’s traditional culture. Established in 1979 by the legislature to document and present Florida folklife, the program is one of the oldest state folk arts programs in the nation.

Florida PSC Recognizes April as Water Conservation Month

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Water conservation begins right at the tap. During the month of April, Water Conservation Month is observed, and the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) urges Floridians to keep their water usage in check.
“Typically, March, April and May have the lowest rainfall amounts in Florida,” said PSC Chairman Julie Brown.  “Since the highest water savings can occur during outdoor use, we recommend making conservation a natural habit when watering your yard.”
Nationwide, according to the EPA, landscape irrigation is estimated to account for nearly one-third (1/3) of all residential water use, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons per day.
The PSC offers these outdoor water saving tips for your use this spring:

  • Check your irrigation system for clogged, broken or missing sprinkler heads.
  • Don’t water the driveway, house or sidewalk instead of your yard! Redirect sprinklers to apply water only to your landscape.
  • Skip watering a landscape if it’s raining, just rained or if your landscape doesn’t need the water.
  • Only water on designated days, particularly if your city/county has water restrictions, and make sure your irrigation timers are set accordingly.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and many local governments participate in statewide water conservation efforts through the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association’s Water Use Efficiency Division (WUED).  The WUED works with the Governor and Cabinet each year to officially proclaim April as Water Conservation Month.
Need more tips on how to save water during Water Conservation Month? The PSC’s Drop by Drop brochure offers water saving tips for both inside and outside your home. The PSC’s consumer tip on xeriscaping can help you get started on a worry-free landscape.
For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.

CFO Jeff Atwater Unveils New Financial Literacy Program Tailored to Teach Middle and High School Students

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3.31.2017 finance your future
Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the release of Finance Your Future, his latest and most advanced financial literacy program yet. Designed with middle and high school students in mind, CFO Atwater is connecting the free program to the classroom and encouraging Florida teachers to incorporate it into their lesson plans. Built to be as interactive as a video game, Finance Your Future’s engaging content, animation, games and activities offer a relevant refreshing approach to learning about financial literacy for adolescents and adults alike.
“Teachers and parents have the incredibly important jobs of fostering successful futures through learning,” said CFO Atwater. “They deserve all the support possible, and I’m proud to offer them a ready-made product that I hope will prove invaluable to teaching lessons about financial literacy. I think this program can teach adults a few new financial tools, too.”
Beyond containing captivating content, Finance Your Future was built to satisfy Florida’s half-credit financial literacy graduation requirement, and each lesson aligns with specific Sunshine State Standards. The Department of Financial Services is actively securing the support of Florida’s 67 social studies coordinators, who are in charge of selecting their county’s social studies curriculum. So far, more than 20 county coordinators have expressed a desire to bring the program into their classrooms.
“I am excited for the release of Finance Your Future as a valuable resource I can use in my ‘Economics with Financial Literacy’ classes to engage my students in topics relating to personal finance, but also for the opportunity for my students to utilize the program to help them learn how to make wiser choices as consumers, investors and savers,” said R. Eric Fields, an Economics Teacher at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville.
The eight core concepts covered by Finance Your Future are:

To access Finance Your Future, click here. To access the other financial literacy programs offered by the Department of Financial Services, click here.
 

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jeff Atwater, a statewide elected official, oversees the Department of Financial Services, serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, and is a member of the Florida Cabinet. CFO Atwater’s priorities include fighting financial fraud, abuse and waste in government; reducing government spending and regulatory burdens that chase away businesses; and providing transparency and accountability in spending.

SunRail Railroad Crossing Work and Road Closure on S.R. 436 Altamonte Springs

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FDOT SunRail
State Road (S.R.) 436/East Altamonte Drive is closing in both directions at the railroad crossing east of South Ronald Reagan Boulevard from 9 p.m. Friday, March 31 to 3 a.m. Monday, April 3. The closure is needed to replace the existing SunRail crossing with new concrete panels and asphalt approaches, which will provide a safer and smoother crossing for motorists.
Detour route signage is placed at key locations in the area to direct drivers around the work zone. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained.
Detour Information:

  • Westbound S.R. 436 traffic will be directed to turn right onto U.S. 17/92 northbound, then left onto Dog Track Road and left onto South Ronald Regan Boulevard to go back to S.R. 436. Local traffic will be permitted to continue west on S.R. 436 to point of the closure.
  • Eastbound traffic on S.R. 436 will be directed to turn left onto South Ronald

Reagan Boulevard, right onto Dog Track Road and then right onto U.S. 17/92 southbound to go back to S.R. 436.
For the latest information on this construction project, please visit www.cflroads.com. Please note bad weather or other unexpected conditions may affect the schedule. Construction concerns? Please contact Construction Public Information Coordinator Carolyn Fitzwilliam by phone at 407-637-7461 or by email at [email protected].
For more information about SunRail routes, schedules, and fares, please visit us at www.sunrail.com. SunRail urges motorists to be careful around trains, railroad crossings and construction. Be smart. Be safe.

SunRail Railroad Crossing Work and Road Closure
on S.R. 436 Altamonte Springs Detour Map

3.30.2017 detour map